THE ENLIGHTENMENT LITERATURE: a weapon for the American Revolutionary Period.

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What did Literature produce for the American Revolutionary Period?

Literature was one of the resources that help the revolution development in the American Society. The

Declaration of Independence (1819), by John Trumbull.jpg
war for the American independence was developed primarily between 1765 and 1800, during and after the American struggle for independence from Grain Britain. The literary movement emerged in response to growing political tensions between the American colonies and the British government, as well as the influence of European Enlightenment ideas that emphasized reason, liberty, natural right, and social progress.

As colonists began to question British authority, literature became an essential tool for political debate and social persuasion. Writers used pamphlets, essays, speeches, and  poems to defend colonial rights, criticize British control, and promote independence. Unlike later literary movements that focused on emotion or imagination. Revolutionary literature prioritized logic, clarity, and persuasion in order to influence public opinion.

Historical and Cultural Context

The revolutionary literature emerged as the response of promoting the Revolutionary Period in North America. British taxation policies, lack of colonial representation in Parliament, and restrictions on trade led to widespread dissatisfaction among American colonists. Events such as the Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, and Declaration of independence intensified resistance.

The Enlightenment philosophy of thinkers such as John Locke influenced American writers, who argued that governments existed to protect natural rights, including life, liberty, and property. These ideas encouraged colonists to view rebellion as morally justified.

Printing presses, newspapers, and pamphlets became powerful tools for spreading revolutionary ideas. Literacy rates were relatively high, allowing political literature to reach a broad audience and shape its national identity.

Characteristics of Revolutionary and Enlightenment Literature.

The literary production developed in the revolutionary period denotates the following features:

Emphasis on reason and logic 

Writers relied on rational arguments rather than emotional appeals.

Political persuasion

Literature aimed to convince readers to support independence and self-government.

Clarity and simplicity of language

Authors used accessible language to reach ordinary citizens.

Focus on natural rights

Texts emphasized freedom, equality, and individual rights.

Moral and civic responsibility

Literature promoted patriotism and public virtue.

Didactic purpose

Many works sought to educate readers about political principles. 

Representation of Revolutionary Literature

Literature on American Revolutionary period was mainly expressed through pamphlets, essays, speeches, letters, and newspapers rather than fictional works. These forms allowed writers to respond quickly to political events and influence public opinion.

This literature often blended political theory with practical advice, presenting complex ideas in straightforward language. It reflects the belief that informed citizens were essential to democracy.

Revolutionary literature can be organized into four main categories:

1. Political Pamphlets and Propaganda

Purpose

The main goal of pamphlets and political writings was to persuade colonists to support independence and resist British rule. These texts were written in simple, direct language so that ordinary citizens could understand complex political ideas.

Major Writers and Works

Thomas Paine

·         Common Sense (1776)
→ Argued that independence was necessary and logical.

·         The American Crisis (1776–1783)
→ Encouraged soldiers and civilians during the war.

Samuel Adams

·         Political essays and newspaper articles
→ Defended colonial rights and criticized British policies.

John Dickinson

·         Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania (1767–1768)
→ Explained why British taxes were unjust.

Joseph Galloway (Loyalist)

·         Political writings supporting British rule
→ Represented opposition views during the Revolution.

Importance

These texts turned political debate into public conversation and helped unify colonists around revolutionary ideas.

 

2. Essays, Autobiographies, and Practical Writing

Purpose

This category includes writings that combined personal experience with moral and political lessons. These works promoted self-improvement, discipline, and civic responsibility.

Major Writer: 

Benjamin Franklin

Key Works

·         Poor Richard’s Almanack (1732–1757)
→ Included witty sayings and practical advice.

·         Autobiography (1771–1788)
→ Described Franklin’s rise from poverty to success.

·         Political essays and reports
→ Defended colonial interests in Britain and America.

Importance

Franklin’s writing reflected Enlightenment values such as reason, self-education, and social mobility. His works helped shape the American ideal of the “self-made” individual.

 Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography

Memoirs of Franklin (wikipedia)

(This excerpt comes from the first part of Franklin's autobiography)

Hereby, too, I shall indulge the inclination so natural in old men, to be talking of themselves and their own past actions; and I shall indulge it without being tiresome to others, who, through respect to age, might conceive themselves obliged to give me a hearing, since this may be read or not as any one pleases. And, lastly (I may as well confess it, since my denial of it will be believed by nobody), perhaps I shall a good deal gratify my own vanity. Indeed, I scarce ever heard or saw the introductory words, "Without vanity, I may say," etc., but some vain thing immediately followed. Most people dislike vanity in others, whatever share they have of it themselves; but I give it fair quarter wherever I meet with it, being persuaded that it is often productive of good to the possessor, and to others that are within his sphere of action; and therefore, in many cases, it would not be altogether absurd if a man were to thank God for his vanity, among the other comforts of life.

At length a fresh difference arising between my brother and me, I took upon me to assert my freedom, presuming that he would not venture to produce the new indentures. It was not fair in me to take this advantage, and this I therefore reckon one of the first errata of my life; but the unfairness of it weighed little with me, when under the impressions of resentment for the blows his passion too often urged him to bestow upon me, though he was otherwise not an ill-natured man. Perhaps I was too saucy and provoking.

3. Foundational Political Documents and Government Writing

Purpose

After independence, literature focused on building a stable government and explaining political principles to citizens.

Major Writers and Works

Thomas Jefferson

·         Declaration of Independence (1776)
→ Explained why the colonies separated from Britain.

·         Letters and inaugural addresses
→ Defended individual liberty and local government.

The Federalist Writers

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay

·         The Federalist Papers (1787–1788)
→ Supported the new U.S. Constitution.
→ Explained how republican government should work.

Importance

These writings became foundational texts of American democracy. They continue to influence political thought and constitutional interpretation today.


4. Poetry and Patriotic Songs

Purpose

Poetry and songs were used as emotional weapons to inspire loyalty, courage, and national pride. They helped maintain morale during the war.

Patriotic Songs

·         “Yankee Doodle”

·         “Nathan Hale”

·         “The Epilogue”

These were often set to British melodies to make them familiar and easy to remember.

Philip Freneau

Key Works

·         Revolutionary satires

·         “The Indian Burying Ground”

·         “The Wild Honey Suckle”

·         “On a Honey Bee”

Importance

Freneau’s early poems served as propaganda, while his later work anticipated Romanticism. He is often called the “Poet of the American Revolution.”

Phillis Wheatley

Key Works

·         Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773)

·         “On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin”

Importance

Wheatley was the first major African American poet. Her work challenged racial stereotypes and used revolutionary ideals to argue for spiritual and moral equality.


 On Messrs Hussey and Coffin

by Phillis Wheatley


"Did Fear and Danger so perplex your Mind,

As made you fearful of the Whistling Wind?

Was it not Boreas knit his angry Brow

Against you? or did Consideration bow?

To lend you Aid, did not his Winds combine?

To stop your passage with a churlish Line,

Did haughty Eolus with Contempt look down

With Aspect windy, and a study'd Frown?

Regard them not; - the Great Supreme, the Wise,

Intends for something hidden from our Eyes."

Reflection:

This excerpt from 'On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin' emphasises the importance of faith, moral guidance and courage in overcoming challenges. The references by Wheatley to natural forces such as the whistling wind and classical figures such as Boreas and Eolus serve to illustrate the obstacles that people encounter, suggesting that true protection and success come from following higher principles. The poem's message, beyond the literal story of Hussey and Coffin, is about resilience, virtue and trust in enduring values. It demonstrates how revolutionary literature can inspire readers emotionally and intellectually, encouraging reflection, ethical thinking and a sense of responsibility through spiritual and artistic expression.

Reflection on Revolutionary Writing:

Looking at revolutionary literature in America, we can see that writing had a big effect on how people thought and acted during that time. It wasn't just about reporting events or arguing politics. Writers were trying to inspire, teach and guide their readers. Pamphlets, essays, speeches, poetry and songs all worked together to explain big ideas like liberty, equality and responsibility. They also made people feel an emotional connection, which made those ideas feel real and important. 
It's interesting how these different works combined logic and emotion, moral lessons and practical advice. For example, Franklin encouraged people to improve themselves, Freneau used poetry to foster patriotism, and Wheatley wrote about being good and having faith. All these literary works show that Revolutionary literature was about more than just the present moment. It was also about shaping values, influencing behaviour, and creating a sense of national identity. Even today, reading these books reminds us of the power of words. They inform us, inspire us to act and think, and have a long-lasting effect on culture and thought.

Relevance in Today’s Society

Even now, the ideas of the American Revolutionary Period and the works written at the time continue to have an influence on the world. Concepts like freedom, equality, and civic responsibility appear in modern politics, civil rights movements, and public debates. Phrases like "all men are created equal" are still used in speeches, protests and court decisions, while the persuasive writing and rhetoric inspired by figures like Franklin and Paine can be seen in journalism, activism and political communication. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches and modern social media campaigns are just two examples of how literature can have a revolutionary effect. It shows that words and ideas can shape society, inspire change, and keep citizens engaged even hundreds of years later.



References:

EBSCO (2024) Revolutionary Literary Period. EBSCO Knowledge Advantage repository.

https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/literature-and-writing/revolutionary-literary-period

Britannica Group. (n.d.) American literature: The Revolutionary period. Encyclopedia Britannica.

Franklin, B. (1771/1793). Autobiography: Part One (Excerpts). Hanover College History Department. https://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/143franklin-one.html

Phillis Wheatley, “On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin”, full text available online at Best‑Poems.net: https://www.best‑poems.net/phillis‑wheatley/on‑messrs‑hussey‑and‑coffin.html

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